She writes:

“In the coming days the FCC’s national broadband plan will no doubt be intensely scrutinized by the multitude of players vying to influence the government’s new media and telecommunications agenda. As the expected debate over government involvement and private interests ensues, the focus must remain on the needs of Americans who are disadvantaged by a lack of broadband services.

In a world increasingly dependent on fast and reliable access to the Internet, broadband creates and facilitates opportunities to enhance nearly every aspect of our daily lives. From education to jobs, life-saving health information to new business tools and ever expanding avenues for civic engagement and political participation, broadband is the enabling technology.

Whether its enabling small businesses to operate with low overhead, helping an unemployed worker train online for a new career or allowing families and friends to stay connected or locate missing relatives after natural disasters—the economic, social and even humanitarian implications of broadband access are far and wide.

But the fact remains that too many of our fellow Americans have yet to realize the benefits of broadband. This is especially true for minorities, seniors, people with disabilities and low-income, tribal and rural communities. Sixty-five percent of Americans have a broadband connection at home but among African Americans its only 59 percent and Hispanics, 49 percent. The disparities are wider across age, income and education. For example, among households with an annual income of $20,000 or less, fewer than 40 percent have a broadband connection compared to 91 percent of households with an income of more than $75,000 a year.”

The full post and much more about the seo agency london is available on Salon.com

The post Broadband Access – A Civil Right in the Digital Age? appeared first on Center for Urban and Racial Equity.

While working to locate her own missing relatives in Port-Au-Prince, Lubin launched the Action for Haiti Facebook page to link DC area residents to local earthquake relief and fundraising efforts. In just a few days, the page attracted national media and more than 1400 “fans” as concerned citizens, college students, and nonprofit organizations used the resource to network, collaborate and promote fundraising and volunteer opportunities. As millions watched the heart wrenching images on television, Lubin also worked behind the scenes with CNN producers on their local coverage of the earthquake.

In the first few days following the tragic event, Action for Haiti became a hub of activity as many found the page to be a valuable resource and avenue for transforming their feelings of powerlessness  into real, substantive action to benefit the people of Haiti.

For more information or to join Action for Haiti, visit www.facebook.com/actionforhaiti

The post PSC’s “Action for Haiti” Links CNN and Washington Residents to Local Relief and Fundraising Efforts appeared first on Center for Urban and Racial Equity.